Elac Carina BS243.4 Review (Bookshelf Speaker)

[Roland68]

Thanks for getting back with suggestions! I am not sure I am tracking though- what do you mean by "Temporarily place a speaker on 4 similarly high pipe sections, aluminum, brass or similar, and see if it behaves in the same way."

I don't have pipe available to do this

You can also do it differently. On one side you put the Carina directly on the table, on the other side on the isoacustics stand.
Then get some board (cutting board or something similar) of the right size and place it between the isoacustics stand and the speaker. Then you can hear what's happening.

 

[yllanos]

Hi.

I got mine in today. I have to wait until tonight to start some listening but I already set them up.

I had been running the signal from dac to sb-1000 first via RCA and then passing through high pass filter to Carina. The filter is set to 80Hz. Tried dac directly to Carina and am super pleased to hear the bass they are capable of. I prefer having the the full sound signature in front of me as opposed to the bass coming from below the desk exclusively. If only I could set the high pass filter at say ~50Hz instead so I could get more out of Carina without losing the sub bass from sb-1000...

Get a miniDSP device, you will be able to adjust crossovers and more as you please. I own miniDSP SHD Studio and it works very well.

 

[Daniel4IEM]

Hi.

I got mine in today. I have to wait until tonight to start some listening but I already set them up.

View attachment 386670

View attachment 386671




Get a miniDSP device, you will be able to adjust crossovers and more as you please. I own miniDSP SHD Studio and it works very well.

Congrats!!! Excited to hear your impressions.
Good suggestion to add external crossover. Excited to look into miniDSP, etc.

Couldn’t I also just split the signal coming out of dac and send one to sub and one to speaker amp?

 

[DMill]

Hi.

I got mine in today. I have to wait until tonight to start some listening but I already set them up.

View attachment 386670

View attachment 386671




Get a miniDSP device, you will be able to adjust crossovers and more as you please. I own miniDSP SHD Studio and it works very well.

I like mine a lot. They are power hungry little buggers. I have mine hooked up to a Yamaha RN-1000a (100w) with a sub and if I want to blast it I have to turn it up pretty good.

 

[yllanos]

Congrats!!! Excited to hear your impressions.
Good suggestion to add external crossover. Excited to look into miniDSP, etc.

Couldn’t I also just split the signal coming out of dac and send one to sub and one to speaker amp?

I will give some impressions in a few days. There is a local holiday coming up next monday so this will be a music-intense and long weekend for me. I did try them out quickly just to check everything is in working order and I am very optimistic. Gotta say though, they look way way better in person than on pictures IMO. Just don't expect too much science on my listening impressions. If you are expecting that, please just confidently skip my next comment in a few days lol.

Yes, but since A6 lacks a bass management feature, you will be sending a full range signal to all outputs. On sub that's not an issue as you can do a low pass. but your speakers will receive full range, which may or may not be what you want

I like mine a lot. They are power hungry little buggers. I have mine hooked up to a Yamaha RN-1000a (100w) with a sub and if I want to blast it I have to turn it up pretty good.

I don't think I have to worry about power. I am using this:

AUDIOPHONICS AP300-S500NC Power Amplifier NCore NC502MP

The Audiophonics AP300-S500NC is a stereo amplifier based on a Hypex Ncore NC502MP amplifier module. It is ideal for providing a significant power reserve (2x500W @ 4Ω) without sacrificing sound reproduction quality.

www.audiophonics.fr

 

[Roland68]

I like mine a lot. They are power hungry little buggers. I have mine hooked up to a Yamaha RN-1000a (100w) with a sub and if I want to blast it I have to turn it up pretty good.

But that doesn't mean anything unless you know the output voltage of the source device.
What source device are you using?

 

[NanoGuidingStar]

Hello everyone, I’m currently considering the BS243 and DBR62 as my Front Left and Right. Although the BS243 is more expensive, it only has a 5.25-inch woofer, whereas the DBR62 features a 6.25-inch woofer.

So, as main speaker, which one should I choose?

 

[GiBo61]

I have never listened to the DBR62 speakers but I have had the opportunity to listen to the Carina 243.4 a couple of times and I can tell you that they are worth everything they cost and probably even more (they are just under €1000 a pair in Europe). They have low sensitivity (83-84 db), so I wouldn't use them in a large room (more than 25-30 sq meters) and in any case I would pair them with an amplifier with good power. I have the Carina 247.4 (floorstanding) and I'm very happy with them.

 

[Roland68]

Hello everyone, I’m currently considering the BS243 and DBR62 as my Front Left and Right. Although the BS243 is more expensive, it only has a 5.25-inch woofer, whereas the DBR62 features a 6.25-inch woofer.

So, as main speaker, which one should I choose?

I currently have both speakers here, alternating between them. I can tell you more in a week or two.

How do you want to use the speakers? On a table or on a stand?
How big is the room approximately?
Do you plan to combine them with a subwoofer?

 

[Rustdust]

I will give some impressions in a few days. There is a local holiday coming up next monday so this will be a music-intense and long weekend for me. I did try them out quickly just to check everything is in working order and I am very optimistic. Gotta say though, they look way way better in person than on pictures IMO. Just don't expect too much science on my listening impressions. If you are expecting that, please just confidently skip my next comment in a few days lol.

Yes, but since A6 lacks a bass management feature, you will be sending a full range signal to all outputs. On sub that's not an issue as you can do a low pass. but your speakers will receive full range, which may or may not be what you want



I don't think I have to worry about power. I am using this:

AUDIOPHONICS AP300-S500NC Power Amplifier NCore NC502MP

The Audiophonics AP300-S500NC is a stereo amplifier based on a Hypex Ncore NC502MP amplifier module. It is ideal for providing a significant power reserve (2x500W @ 4Ω) without sacrificing sound reproduction quality.

www.audiophonics.fr

I will give some impressions in a few days. There is a local holiday coming up next monday so this will be a music-intense and long weekend for me. I did try them out quickly just to check everything is in working order and I am very optimistic. Gotta say though, they look way way better in person than on pictures IMO. Just don't expect too much science on my listening impressions. If you are expecting that, please just confidently skip my next comment in a few days lol.

Yes, but since A6 lacks a bass management feature, you will be sending a full range signal to all outputs. On sub that's not an issue as you can do a low pass. but your speakers will receive full range, which may or may not be what you want



I don't think I have to worry about power. I am using this:

AUDIOPHONICS AP300-S500NC Power Amplifier NCore NC502MP

The Audiophonics AP300-S500NC is a stereo amplifier based on a Hypex Ncore NC502MP amplifier module. It is ideal for providing a significant power reserve (2x500W @ 4Ω) without sacrificing sound reproduction quality.

www.audiophonics.fr

Over 4 months later and no update, I hope nothing bad happened!

 

[NanoGuidingStar]

I currently have both speakers here, alternating between them. I can tell you more in a week or two.

How do you want to use the speakers? On a table or on a stand?
How big is the room approximately?
Do you plan to combine them with a subwoofer?

I plan to use these speakers in a small 4x4x2.5m (LWH) room, and I already have an SVS SB3000 subwoofer. The distance between my seat and speakers will be about 1.5m
I'll put them on stand and close to the wall. Mainly for movie and Gaming 80%, 20% music. I will only use Denon X3800h to drive them, so currently no poweramp.


I’m deciding on a 5.0 speaker setup. Initially, I was considering purchasing two pairs of DBR62 for the front and center channels, along with a pair of DB52 for the surrounds.


Someone told me I could get a pair of BS243.4 with the same price as DBR62. So my current plan become purchasing one pair of BS243.4, one pair of DBR62, and one pair of DB52 (for surrounds).


I’m now deciding which speakers should serve as the front channels and which should be used as the center channel. Do you have any recommendations?


Additionally, would using three different series of speakers from the same brand in one system result in an odd listening experience?


Another thing I’d like to know is whether the bass performance of the BS234.4 and DBR62, despite the one-inch difference in woofer size, is truly similar?


The reason I’m not considering a typical center channel is that most are too large and use an MTM design, so I’m exploring the idea of using bookshelf speakers as the center channel instead.


Thanks in advance

 

[Roland68]

I plan to use these speakers in a small 4x4x2.5m (LWH) room, and I already have an SVS SB3000 subwoofer. The distance between my seat and speakers will be about 1.5m
I'll put them on stand and close to the wall. Mainly for movie and Gaming 80%, 20% music. I will only use Denon X3800h to drive them, so currently no poweramp.


I’m deciding on a 5.0 speaker setup. Initially, I was considering purchasing two pairs of DBR62 for the front and center channels, along with a pair of DB52 for the surrounds.


Someone told me I could get a pair of BS243.4 with the same price as DBR62. So my current plan become purchasing one pair of BS243.4, one pair of DBR62, and one pair of DB52 (for surrounds).


I’m now deciding which speakers should serve as the front channels and which should be used as the center channel. Do you have any recommendations?


Additionally, would using three different series of speakers from the same brand in one system result in an odd listening experience?


Another thing I’d like to know is whether the bass performance of the BS234.4 and DBR62, despite the one-inch difference in woofer size, is truly similar?


The reason I’m not considering a typical center channel is that most are too large and use an MTM design, so I’m exploring the idea of using bookshelf speakers as the center channel instead.


Thanks in advance

If you can get the Carina BS243.4 for the same price, I would buy it without hesitation before it's gone.
The small difference in the bass range is completely eliminated by the subwoofer anyway.

Using one of the Elac bookshelf speakers as a center is a very good idea and much better than the usual MTM centers.

The three speakers go well together, I have the BS243.4, DBR62 and DB62 for comparison, the DB52 is very similar.
The Carina BS243.4 is a little more transparent in my opinion, but these are more nuances.

 

[yllanos]

Over 4 months later and no update, I hope nothing bad happened!

hahaha I'm still kicking lol

Suffice it to say: the Carinas are now my favorite speakers. Amazing what this little fellas can do. I am actually using them as I type this.

I got really lucky and found a pair at $550 USD used as new on eBay. I have a system with a miniDSP and Dirac Live built in. I also have a sub (Rythmik F12-400). The idea was to use Dirac but honestly they sound so surprisingly good that I deactivated room correction altogether as the improvements are negligible so I just cross over them at 80Hz and that is it. I use mine exclusively for music duties and for that matter, they are very very good. I guess I am somewhat biased as I tend to like ribbon tweeters. The Carinas are replacing a pair of Magnepans MMG due to mainly space constraints, but in the end I honestly like the Carinas better.

 

[Rustdust]

hahaha I'm still kicking lol

Suffice it to say: the Carinas are now my favorite speakers. Amazing what this little fellas can do. I am actually using them as I type this.

I got really lucky and found a pair at $550 USD used as new on eBay. I have a system with a miniDSP and Dirac Live built in. I also have a sub (Rythmik F12-400). The idea was to use Dirac but honestly they sound so surprisingly good that I deactivated room correction altogether as the improvements are negligible so I just cross over them at 80Hz and that is it. I use mine exclusively for music duties and for that matter, they are very very good. I guess I am somewhat biased as I tend to like ribbon tweeters. The Carinas are replacing a pair of Magnepans MMG due to mainly space constraints, but in the end I honestly like the Carinas better.

Good to hear all is well, I just got a new pair of the white from AA online retailer for $500, I just couldn't pass them up. The stands you have look like a pair I have from Monoprice, have you treated the stands with sound deadening (mine ring like crazy) and how tall are they? I haven't gotten around to getting mine in yet but they will be paired with an HSU 12" sub, Outlaw amp's and a Yamaha processor. I'll have to play around with them to see if I want them to replace my current Jamo C607's for theater duties or separate them out just for music.

 

[NanoGuidingStar]

I noticed that the Carina CC 241.4, showcased at CES 2019, had its JET tweeter arranged horizontally, unlike the bookshelf or floor-standing speakers in the same series. You can also see product images on some websites where the CC 241.4 shows the tweeter in a horizontal orientation.

The most interesting part is that even on ELAC's official website, the product images of the CC 241.4 show its JET tweeter in a horizontal orientation

However, in the final product, the JET tweeter was changed to a Vertical orientation. Has this product been out for 4–5 years without correcting this error? Or is there some hidden reason behind it?

Or... Is it rotatable?

 

[thewas]

I guess if you unscrew its 4 screws its rotatable , although I guess the early photos were from a prototype and later they changed their decision. Being a WTW centre its horizontal radiation problems won't be solved in either orientation.

 

[NanoGuidingStar]

I finally received the Carina LCR speakers. Since I'm still waiting for the surround speakers (DBR62) and the stand for the center channel to arrive, I only did a quick Dirac RC+BC. Simply put, they exceeded my expectations by far.

The low-frequency extension of the Carina BS 243.4 reaches around 30Hz, while the CC 241.4 is slightly up I'd say 40Hz in my room according to Dirac. Although Dirac Bass Control recommended setting the crossover point at 70Hz, I didn't want to push these speakers too hard, so I manually adjusted them to 80Hz.

Previously, I used SVS satellite speakers as my Front L/R with crossover at 120Hz. In Pure Direct mode, the experiense of those satellites was unpleasant due to a lack of bass. However, the Carina speakers don't have this issue. Even with the SB3000 subwoofer turned off, the music listening experience is a significant improvement. I now prefer using the Direct mode with Dirac and the subwoofer turned off for music playback.

The speakers have a stunning design and excellent craftsmanship. The only downside is the lack of protective grilles, but since I don't have children or pets at my room, it's not a major concern for me.



Attached below are the Dirac Bass Control screenshots for the Carina BS243.4, CC241.4, and SVS SB3000. My room is very small and lacks acoustic treatment, the dip in the 50–70Hz range is caused by room mode so Dirac can only do so much.

 

[Penelinfi]

I guess if you unscrew its 4 screws its rotatable , although I guess the early photos were from a prototype and later they changed their decision. Being a WTW centre its horizontal radiation problems won't be solved in either orientation.

Either that or they were planning a home theatre set with LR speakers too

 

[DMill]

You can order them direct from Elac. They are overpriced but available.

The only downside is the lack of protective grilles, but since I don't have children or pets at my room, it's not a major concern

 

[yllanos]

Good to hear all is well, I just got a new pair of the white from AA online retailer for $500, I just couldn't pass them up. The stands you have look like a pair I have from Monoprice, have you treated the stands with sound deadening (mine ring like crazy) and how tall are they? I haven't gotten around to getting mine in yet but they will be paired with an HSU 12" sub, Outlaw amp's and a Yamaha processor. I'll have to play around with them to see if I want them to replace my current Jamo C607's for theater duties or separate them out just for music.

Yes, I am using Monoprice stands. They are about 61cms tall and no, I haven't treated them (I cannot hear any ringing but I do have all the materials to do so).